Duke Ellington: Duke Ellington (piano). Was Duke Ellington, as pianist, composer, and/or bandleader, one of the most vital musical figures in 20th-century history (and beyond)? The answer is, naturally, yes, and the proof lies within this box set. In the 1940s, Ellington led an edition of his orchestra considered by fans and scholars to be his best--it featured iconic players Jimmy Blanton, Johnny Hodges, and Ben Webster. Ellington's abilities as a songwriter and arranger were in full flower--by then he'd established a catalog of tunes that achieved both commercial success and melodic excellence. THE DUKE BOX covers all the bases, from the vivid, suite-like "Black and Tan Fantasy" to the exotic "Caravan" to standards such as "Laura"--it's a hefty, essential piece of American jazz and pop history. Minimize